Faletau returns as Cardiff make nine changes for Northampton

Taulupe Faletau is set for his first Cardiff appearance since March after being named at number eight for Sunday’s Investec Champions Cup opener away to Northampton Saints. Cardiff have made nine changes for the game at DPD Stadium, Franklin’s Gardens, on 18 October. Kick-off is 5.30pm BST. Faletau returns after being a late withdrawal for last week’s trip to Dublin, while Josh Adams is named among the replacements after recovering from the calf injury he suffered in the summer.

Hughes captains a changed side

Daf Hughes captains Cardiff from hooker, with Sam Wainwright alongside him in the front row. Tom Manz makes his competitive debut for the club at lock next to Rory Thornton, and Semisi Paea makes his first start in the back row. Jarrod Evans is given his first start since returning to Cardiff in the summer. Steffan Emanuel starts at inside centre and Tom Bowen returns on the wing. The confirmed squad panel lists all 15 starters and eight replacements.

Two games to plan for

Head coach Corniel van Zyl said Cardiff had worked hard to earn a return to the Champions Cup and described the Northampton visit as an opportunity to compete against the best. He also pointed to the five-day turnaround before facing Sharks, saying Cardiff had planned selections across the two games. The return of Faletau to the starting side and Adams to the bench gives readers the club’s confirmed availability for Sunday, rather than a prediction about who might be fit. EPCR’s fixture listing agrees with Cardiff’s date, 5.30pm UK kick-off and Northampton venue. This is Cardiff’s opening match in Pool 4.